1. Unit 1 – “The Last Dog”

2. Learning Goals
Read for comprehension and analysis, with a focus on plot, setting, conflict and vocabulary.

3. Unit 1 Objectives • identify stages of plot • analyze plot development
• identify internal and external conflict
• analyze and evaluate setting

4. Review - What drives a story? Review:
Setting
Characters
Conflict

5. Review - What drives a story? Review:
Setting is the time and place of the action.
Characters are the people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in a story.
• Conflict is a struggle between different forces.
A conflict can be external or internal.

6. Stages of Plot Exposition Rising action Climax Falling action
Resolution

7. Stages of Plot
Exposition

8. Stages of Plot Exposition • Introduces the setting and the characters
• Sets up or hints at the conflict

9. Stages of Plot
rising action

10. Stages of Plot rising action
• Shows how the conflict unfolds and becomes more complicated
• Builds suspense
(suspense is a feeling of growing tension and excitement)

11. Stages of Plot
Climax

12. Stages of Plot
Climax
• Is the most exciting moment and the turning point
• Often results in a change for the main character

13. Stages of Plot
falling action

14. Stages of Plot falling action
• Reveals how the main character begins to resolve the conflict
• Eases suspense (What’s suspense?)*
(suspense is a feeling of growing tension and excitement)

15. Stages of Plot
Resolution

16. Stages of Plot Resolution • Ties up loose ends
• Sometimes offers an unexpected twist before the story ends

17. Stages of Plot Plot diagram

18. Share

19. Literary Terms
Setting
Flashback
Science fiction

20. Literary Terms Setting – time and place of the action
Flashback – a scene from an earlier time
Science fiction – combines real scientific information with imagination to create an altered universe.

21. Reading Strategy
Identify Sequence – the order of events.

22. Reading Strategy
Identify Sequence

23. Read “The Last Dog” Page 48
Remember to “identify sequence” and capture details for the “setting”.

24. Avoiding Run-Ons
Run-on – Consists of two or more sentences written as if they were one sentence
End mark – punctuation that separates one sentence from another by ending a complete thought
Comma – shows a slight pause, and avoids confusion, but does not signal the end to one thought and the start of another.

25. Avoiding Run-Ons
Fuzed Sentence – is a word group containing two or more sentences that are run together without any punctuation.
Comma Splice – consists of two or more sentences separated by a comma instead of a period or semicolon (:).

26. Analyze Visuals
1. look at the painting on pg. 49. Describe the setting depicted.
The barren landscape, purple sky, and the odd dome building make the setting appear futuristic and somewhat eerie.
. . .continued

27. Setting
2. What is the setting?
The setting of this story appears to be a post apocalyptic future, post environmental wasteland of Earth. The characters live in an environmentally controlled dome, believing that Earth remains uninhabitable after an earlier disaster destroyed much of the population (lines 171–175). As with many works of science fiction, there is much truth to this story: polluted air, land, and water are a serious problem, and it increases as technology, industry, and the world’s population continue to grow.
. . .continued

28. The story may be set in the future or in an advanced society.
Setting (lines 1-22)
3. Where does Brock live (line 22)?
In a dome.
4. What does the unusual technology in the dome suggest about the time in which the story takes place?
The story may be set in the future or in an advanced society.
5. What is Brock wearing (line 12)?
dry suit, helmet, gloves, boots
6. What is Brock taking with him (lines 14-19)?
scanner, limited water supply, food tablets
. . .continued

29. He is excited about leaving the dome.
Setting (1-22)
7. How does Brock feel about his journey (lines 17-19?
He is excited about leaving the dome.
8. What inference can you draw about conditions on the “outside” based on details in lines 1-17?
There is possibly no oxygen, food, or water. It could be contaminated or radioactive.
9. What do these lines (1-22) introduce?
This passage introduces the main character.
10. What does it build for the reader?
It builds understanding of the futuristic setting.
. . .continued

30. Technology: universal locator (gps), hologram, virtual lessons
Setting (lines 23-53)
11. What other things did you recognize in the reading of lines that you can add to your Setting?
Technology: universal locator (gps), hologram, virtual lessons
Environment outside dome: alien sun, purplish mountains
. . .continued

31. He sees the sun for the first time.
Plot Sequence
12. What happens after Brock goes through the customs gate?
Lines 30-38
Brock leaves the dome.
He sees the sun for the first time.

32. The story seems to be taking place on Earth, in the United States.
Setting (lines 54-70)
13. In lines 54-70, what do these details tell you about the place where the story is set?
The story seems to be taking place on Earth, in the United States.
(line 61) The characters Brock meets in the “ancient fictions” are from real books written by Mark Twain and Virginia Hamilton.

33. Plot Sequence (Flashback)
14. What is a flashback?
A description of events that happened before the main action of a story when a character is not just remembering an event, but is reliving it through memories that include details and dialogue.
15. Why do authors use flashback?
to show the causes of present events
. . .continued

34. Plot Sequence (lines 59-70)
16. Lines describe a Flashback. Envision the relationship between this earlier event and what Brock is doing now by adding this information to the sequence chart. Place this box in front of the first one already filled in.
Envision the relationship between this earlier event and what Brock is doing now by adding this information to the sequence chart. Place this box in front of the first one already filled in.

35. Setting (lines 71-75)
17. (Flashback) Why does Brock leave the dome?
Brock becomes curious about the outside world after experiencing “ancient fictions,” or novels from the past. These stories show him a world that is much more exciting than life in the dome.

36. Flashback (lines 76-97)
18. Note that the main action of the story is told in the past tense, but past perfect verb forms are used to signal a flashback sequence.
“hadn’t known” (lines 84–85), “had voiced” (line 85), and “had brought” (line 92). Record these events in the sequence chart as you read.
19. In lines 81-97, What information is revealed in the flashback that helps you to better understand Brock and his present actions?
The flashback reveals that Brock told a researcher that he wanted to go outside the dome because he was interested in scientific research. In the flashback, the reader also finds out how Brock learned about scanners and how a researcher brought him one.

37. Setting (lines )
20. Compare and contrast the setting outside the dome with the natural setting where you live.
Grass, brooks, and trees can also usually be found in our own natural settings.
21. How familiar does the setting outside the dome seem to you?
One difference might be the absence of people in the area outside of the dome.
. . .continued

38. Setting (lines )
22. Notice how Brock reacts to nature. In what ways has the setting inside the dome influenced Brock’s reactions?
Living in the dome has made Brock fearful of nature and of new situations. He suppresses his desire to dip his finger in the brook (lines 129–130) and to breathe the outside air (lines 133–134).
23. What event may have caused the supposed poisoning of Earth?
Add these as possible causes of the outside environment.
. . .continued

39. Life is evident in the flowing stream, growing trees, and shining sun.
Analyze Visuals
24. Look at the painting on pg. 53. What do the details in the painting tell you about the setting?
Life is evident in the flowing stream, growing trees, and shining sun.
. . .continued

40. Entry Card
25. Connect: Have you ever visited a place that is very different from your home? Was the experience more exciting or more fearsome?
26. Analyze: In what way is nature outside the dome different from what Brock has been taught?
He has been taught that the world outside cannot support life. However, he has found living trees (line 115) and a flowing brook (line 126) outside.
27. Evaluate: Why do you think dome scientists and leaders have not updated their information about the outside environment?
The dome leaders do not want to lose members of their population to the outside world. The dome dwellers are imprisoned by their fear of the outside. They are too comfortable inside the dome.
. . .continued

41. Setting (lines )
Remember that setting is where and when a story happens, and that it can influence a story’s plot. As you read about Brock’s exploration of the world outside the dome, notice the sights and sounds that he discovers.
28. Where is Brock, and how is this influencing his actions?
Brock responds with curiosity to the world outside the dome. He gets braver as he spends more time outside.
29. What is he thinking about the sights and sounds that he is experiencing?
When Brock hears “little crying sounds,” he discovers that the sounds come from a puppy. If Brock had not felt safe and curious outside the dome, he might not have investigated the sounds and found the puppy.
. . .continued

42. Setting (lines )
30. In what way does this setting influence what happens next? Explain and add details to your Setting.
There are no other people or robots to control what Brock does; even the scanner has less power over his decisions as he spends more time outside. Brock begins to feel the difference between the dome’s virtual world and the real world.
31. Notice how the following descriptive phrases emphasize the idea that there is a difference between the setting of the dome and the real world:
o “He struggled to his feet”;
o “dry suit from storage was certainly awkward”;
o “Nothing on the scanner indicated danger”;
o “Brock could guess the puppy was ‘sad’.”
. . .continued

43. Grammar in Context (lines 168-192)
32. Notice that Paterson uses punctuation marks and the coordinating conjunctions “but” and “and” to make her sentences clear and easy to understand.
o Brock had never seen a dog, of course, but he’d seen plenty of dog breed descriptions on the science/history virtuals.
o It was looking for food, and plasticine gloves weren’t going to satisfy.
Keep this in mind as you read along and identify similar sentences with coordinating conjunctions. Grammar lessons in the following week will include this material as well.
. . .continued

44. Why are pets good companions?
Revisit the Big Question (lines )
Why are pets good companions?
33. Discuss: What details in lines 198–202 suggest that Brock is already enjoying the companionship of the puppy?
o He laughs when the puppy wrinkles its nose at the pellet (lines 198–199).
o He feels pleasure when the puppy licks his hand and looks at him (lines 199–201).
o He talks to the puppy (line 202).
. . .continued

45. o The puppy licks Brock’s hand (line 198).
Plot Sequence (lines )
34. What sequence of events leads to Brock’s touching the puppy? Add these things to your Sequence graphic organizers.
o The puppy is hungry but doesn’t like the smell or taste of Brock’s glove (lines 191–192).
o Brock takes off his glove and holds out a food pellet (lines 195–197).
o The puppy licks Brock’s hand (line 198).
. . .continued

46. Setting (lines )
35. How is finding the puppy changing what Brock has always believed about the outside?
Brock realizes that living creatures still exist outside the dome and that the world outside may not be as poisonous as the dome dwellers believe.
36. To discuss what the dome dwellers believe about the world outside and what Brock is discovering, list the beliefs of the dome dwellers and Brock’s discoveries on a chart.
. . .continued

47. Setting (lines 203-220) Beliefs of the Dome Dwellers
Brock’s Discoveries
Trees are extinct (lines 117–118)
Earth’s water is poisoned (lines 126–128)
Earth’s atmosphere is poisoned (line 172)
no animals or people survived outside the dome (lines 173–175).
He sees trees (line 115)
the puppy drinks water from the stream (lines 209–210)
Brock’s hand is unharmed when he removes his glove (line 195)
he finds a puppy (lines 152–154).
. . .continued

48. Grammar in Context (lines 209-213)
37. Note the use of commas, periods, and question marks. Read a sentence without pausing for the comma to understand the importance of commas. Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses.
Make a list of coordinating conjunctions that are used.
o The puppy turned momentarily at the sound, then went back to drinking, as though it was the most normal thing in the world.
o Well, it was, for the dog.
o If the streams were not all dried up, they must have learned to tolerate the water. But then, it was breathing the poisoned atmosphere, wasn’t it?
. . .continued

49. o What does Brock decide to do with the puppy? (lines 234–236)
Targeted Passage (lines )
38. This passage presents a turning point in the story:
Brock decides to take the puppy back to the dome.
39. Break into small groups to discuss the following questions:
o What does Brock fear will happen to the puppy if he leaves it? (lines 223–229)
o What is Brock already starting to feel toward the puppy? (lines 226–229)
o What does Brock decide to do with the puppy? (lines 234–236)
. . .continued

50. o What does Brock decide to do with the puppy? (lines 234–236)
Targeted Passage (lines )
o What does Brock fear will happen to the puppy if he leaves it? (lines 223–229)
The puppy would starve and die.
o What is Brock already starting to feel toward the puppy? (lines 226–229)
Brock is starting to care about the puppy, love and affection.
o What does Brock decide to do with the puppy? (lines 234–236)
Brock decides to take the puppy to the dome because he thinks that he can take better care of it there.
. . .continued

51. Why are pets good companions?
Revisit the Big Question (lines )
Why are pets good companions?
40. Discuss: Use lines 227–233 to discuss this question: What do Brock’s actions reveal about the companionship between people and dogs?
Brock realizes that living creatures still exist outside the dome and that the world outside may not be as poisonous as the dome dwellers believe.
. . .continued

52. o Brock takes the puppy back to the dome (lines 234–236).
Plot Sequence (lines )
41. What events happen after Brock finds the puppy? Record the sequence on your chart.
o Brock takes the puppy back to the dome (lines 234–236).
o The quarantine inspectors decide that the puppy can stay but must go to Research (line 262).
o Brock takes the puppy to Research (lines 265–267).
. . .continued

53. Entry Card (lines )
Use lines 253–267 and these prompts to understand what happens when Brock and Brog arrive at the inspection:
42. Connect: Think about a time when you had to request permission for something very important to you. How do those thoughts help you understand Brock’s feelings toward the officials during the quarantine inspection?
Although Brock may have been nervous, he needed to be assertive for the puppy’s sake.
43. Analyze: How do the inspectors react to Brog? Why do you think they react this way?
The inspectors are nervous at first but then become interested in Brog. The puppy is much more alive and interactive than a robopet. The puppy may inspire in them the same warm, protective feelings that Brock has toward it.
44. Synthesize: How does the chief inspector’s decision affect the story?
Brog is allowed to stay, so Brock will have more time to study and get to know the puppy.
. . .continued

54. Analyze Visuals
45. Look at the painting on pg. 56. Look at the boy’s expression. What can you infer about his feelings toward the puppy?
The boy looks excited and happy. He is fascinated with the puppy and enjoys playing with it.
The boy’s facial expression mimics the puppy’s. This suggests that he identifies with and feels close to the dog.
. . .continued

55. 46. What do the scientists know indisputably about Brog?
Own the Word (lines )
Indisputably means that something is known for sure; it cannot be doubted.
46. What do the scientists know indisputably about Brog?
Think about the context of the sentence as you determine what the scientists know about Brog’s gender.
Look at the word “She’s” at the beginning of the sentence.
It is important to use context clues to help determine meaning when you encounter unfamiliar words.
. . .continued

56. reproof (n) is criticism for a fault or error.
Own the Word (lines )
reproof (n) is criticism for a fault or error.
47. Complete the following sentence in your notebook:
“The teacher offered reproof when. . .”
The teacher offered reproof when the students kept talking during class.
. . .continued

57. Discussion (lines )
Use lines 297–313 and these prompts to help you understand the growing bond between Brock and Brog:
48. Connect: What do people find rewarding about the process of training a pet?
Training a pet helps people learn more about their animal and how to handle it. They may also say that watching an animal learn a skill is fun.
49. Analyze: Why is Brog better than a robopet in Brock’s mind?
Although a robopet is always obedient, it has no personality or feelings. Brog may not always follow commands, but she can show affection and other emotions.
50. Synthesize: How is the growing bond between Brog and Brock unusual in the dome society? How might the dome dwellers respond to this bond?
Life within the dome is very controlled. Emotions do not have a place in the society. Therefore, the affection and loyalty growing between Brock and Brog may be perceived as a threat.
. . .continued

58. copious (adj) means more than enough; plentiful..
Own the Word (lines )
copious (adj) means more than enough; plentiful..
51. Provide an example using copious.
There was copious rainfall in the spring.
Most students think teachers give copious homework.
. . .continued

59. posterity (n) means future generations.
Own the Word (lines )
posterity (n) means future generations.
52. The root word of posterity is posterus, which is Latin and means “coming after.”
When you talk about posterity, you are talking about the people who will come after you.
. . .continued

60. Plot Sequence (lines 314-323)
53. How long have Brock and Brog been living in the dome when the argument occurs? Record the sequence on your chart.
o They have been living in the research facility of the dome for about a week.
o A sequence clue is given at the start of the paragraph (line 314): “For the first week.” Readers can infer that Brock wakes up in the middle of the night about a week into his stay.
. . .continued

61. Plot Sequence (lines 324-337)
54. What are the scientists planning to do to Brog? As you read, note on your chart the events that follow.
The scientists are planning to experiment on Brog. Their experiments will probably hurt and might even kill Brog.
. . .continued

62. Why are pets good companions?
Revisit the Big Question (lines )
Why are pets good companions?
55. Discuss: Use lines 349–351 to discuss which of the puppy’s less desirable traits Brock loves because the dog’s companionship is so valuable to him.
Brock doesn’t mind the “terrible smell of her breath” or the sound of her snoring.
56. Discuss: What does this reveal about the importance of close social connections?
Friends see the best in each other, and don’t expect perfection. You can always be yourself among true friends.
. . .continued

63. Disembodied: adj. (lines 4-5) separated from or lacking a body.
Own the Word (review)
Disembodied: adj. (lines 4-5) separated from or lacking a body.
The use of disembodied in this instance means that the person speaking is not present.
The voice seems so separated from the speaker that it lacks humanity.
affirmative: n. (lines 13-20) formal or scientific word for yes.
. . .continued

64. Own the Word (review)
deviant: n. (lines 28-56) a person who does not follow customary or accepted behavior.
hologram: n. ( lines 34-38) a three dimensional picture made by laser light
twenty degrees centigrade: adj. (lines 46-47) a temperature equivalent to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Huck Finn and M. C. Higgins the Great: n. (lines 64-65) the main characters in two books that are often read by young adults.
. . .continued

65. evasive: adj. (line 50) tending or trying to avoid.
Own the Word (review)
evasive: adj. (line 50) tending or trying to avoid.
The connotation of evasive is something that has been done in a sneaky fashion.
Discuss how using the word vague in the sentence would change the connotation.
“He tried to ask the clerk who outfitted him, but the woman was vague.”
The word vague would create the impression that the woman was not being sneaky.
. . .continued

66. foray: n. (lines 55-56) a trip into an unknown area.
Own the Word (review)
foray: n. (lines 55-56) a trip into an unknown area.
List other instances where the word foray could be used.
Answers can cite traveling or going into new or unknown areas or situations.
vaporization: n. (lines 76-80) the process of making a thing disappear by changing it into a fog or mist.
interfacing: v. (lines ) making connections.
. . .continued

67. estimated: v. (line 110) a careful guess
Own the Word (review)
estimated: v. (line 110) a careful guess
What, then, does underestimated mean?
underestimated: v. (line 110) to make too low an estimate
scientific objectivity: n. (lines ) a way of looking upon a situation and remaining true to scientific facts.
. . .continued

68. languish: v. (lines 228-229) to remain unattended or be neglected.
Own the Word (review)
foresighted: adj. (lines ) having the ability to anticipate the future and prepare for it.
Have you ever been foresighted about something? Explain when, and why you feel that your thinking could be described as foresighted.
languish: v. (lines ) to remain unattended or be neglected.
List additional ways that people or animals can languish in the story.
Brock could be described as languishing in his environment; the Earth is languishing because people are living in the dome.
. . .continued

69. o Why is Brog looking up dog diseases on the computer? (lines 362–371)
Targeted Passage (lines )
57. This passage develops the story’s conflict as Brock devises a plan to save Brog from the scientists who wish to experiment on her.
58. Break into small groups to discuss the following questions:
o Why is Brog looking up dog diseases on the computer? (lines 362–371)
o What does he find out about rabies? (lines 362–366)
o What does he hope will happen if he manages to make Brog bite him? (line 370)
. . .continued

70. Targeted Passage (lines 356-373)
o Why is Brock looking up dog diseases on the computer? (lines 362–371)
He was looking for reasons to use to get kicked out of the dome.
o What does he find out about rabies? (lines 362–366)
Because it is a virus that affects humans and dogs, and there is no cure for it in the dome.
o What does he hope will happen if he manages to make Brog bite him? (line 370)
He hopes that the dome dwellers will have no choice but to expel him and Brog in order not to spread the disease.
. . .continued

71. Why are pets good companions?
Revisit the Big Question (lines )
Why are pets good companions?
59. Discuss: Use lines 367–373 to discuss how important Brog’s companionship has become to Brock.
Brock is willing to risk being expelled from the dome to prevent the scientists from experimenting on Brog.
His relationship with the dog has become the most important thing in his life.
. . .continued

72. Everything is controlled in the dome.
Setting (lines )
60. How does the setting inside the dome help Brock make his decision? Add this information to your Setting graphic organizer.
Everything is controlled in the dome.
There is no room for emotions or imperfections.
Brock cannot return to that sterile life after experiencing the fun and happiness of having Brog.
. . .continued

73. In the first illustration, the boy is wearing a protective suit.
Analyze Visuals (pg. 60)
61. Look at the painting on pg. 60. Compare this image to the one on pg. 49. How do the differences between the two illustrations show the differences in Brock?
In the first illustration, the boy is wearing a protective suit.
In this image, the boy is standing unprotected in the environment. He is less confined. He is free, like Brock at the end of the story.
. . .continued

74. Discussion (lines )
Use lines 404–413 and these prompts to help students understand the values of the dome scientists:
62. Connect: Have you ever made a decision that was not popular with your family or a group of friends? How do those decisions help you understand Brock’s behavior toward the researchers?
Going against group mentality is difficult and feels strange. To do what is right for oneself takes courage and determination.
63. Analyze: How do the scientists act as Brock is leaving the dome? What does this suggest about relationships among people in the dome?
No one seems sad or concerned that Brock is leaving. People in the dome probably do not have caring personal relationships with each other.
64. Synthesize: Based on the scientists’ reaction, what has become most important to the people living in the dome?
Survival has become most important. It is valued even above knowledge and love.
. . .continued

75. Brock bites Brog, who then bites him (lines 401-403).
Plot Sequence (lines )
65. How does Brock get the scientists to release him and Brog? As you read, record these 3 events on your chart.
Brock bites Brog, who then bites him (lines ).
Scientists think Brock and Brog have rabies (line 409).
Brock and Brog leave the dome (lines ).
. . .continued

76. Multiple-Meaning Words have more than one meaning.
Language Coach (lines )
Multiple-Meaning Words have more than one meaning.
66. The word range can mean a line of mountains, a geographic distance, or to be within certain limits. Which meaning of range is correct in line 425?
In a sentence, the reader can usually tell which definition of the word is meant by using context clues.
In line 425 range means that the computer isn’t finding information within certain limits.
. . .continued

77. Setting (lines )
67. How are Brock’s questions about the world outside the dome beginning to be answered? Add this information to your Setting graphic organizer.
In lines 421–423, Brock wonders whether the outside world might have healed itself. When he breathes the air (lines 417–420) and drinks the water (lines 434–436), he finds that the environment does not seem poisonous.
Brock was taught that all animals and people perished outside the dome (lines 173–175). Having discovered Brog, he wonders if there might be other dogs and even people living in the outside world (lines 430–433).
. . .continued

78. • Does Brock regret leaving the dome? (lines 434–436)
Targeted Passage (lines )
68. This passage resolves the story’s conflict as Brock overcomes his fear of the environment.
69. Break into small groups to discuss the following questions:
• What internal conflict does Brock face as he takes off his helmet? What does he fear? (lines 417–427)
• What does Brock think he and Brog might find eventually? (lines 430–433)
• Does Brock regret leaving the dome? (lines 434–436)
. . .continued

79. Targeted Passage (lines 417-436)
• What internal conflict does Brock face as he takes off his helmet? What does he fear? (lines 417–427)
He fears that he will choke on the atmosphere and die.
• What does Brock think he and Brog might find eventually? (lines 430–433)
He believes that he may eventually find animals and people.
• Does Brock regret leaving the dome? (lines 434–436)
No. He is enjoying and looking forward to the future outside the dome.
. . .continued